U.S. patent number 4,498,822 [Application Number 06/466,162] was granted by the patent office on 1985-02-12 for solar panel handling and mounting device.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Solir Corporation. Invention is credited to Keyvan T. Diba.
United States Patent |
4,498,822 |
Diba |
February 12, 1985 |
Solar panel handling and mounting device
Abstract
The device is formed with flanges at right angles to each other
which can engage the edge and side of a solar panel and be secured
thereto. The device has a handgrip thereon for manual handling of
the solar panel during transportation and installation. The device
has openings therein for securing the solar panel in place during
transportation and at installation.
Inventors: |
Diba; Keyvan T. (Los Angeles,
CA) |
Assignee: |
Solir Corporation (Van Nuys,
CA)
|
Family
ID: |
23850755 |
Appl.
No.: |
06/466,162 |
Filed: |
February 14, 1983 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
410/2; 126/704;
248/188.1; 126/623; 248/127 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24S
25/61 (20180501); F24S 25/10 (20180501); F24S
80/00 (20180501); Y02E 10/47 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
F24J
2/52 (20060101); F24J 2/00 (20060101); F24J
003/02 () |
Field of
Search: |
;410/2,31-33
;248/127,188.1,460 ;224/151 ;126/450 ;294/141 ;16/DIG.12,DIG.24
;414/11 ;52/712 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
Primary Examiner: Reeves; Robert B.
Assistant Examiner: Stormer; Russell D.
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Shapiro; Allan M.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A handling and mounting device comprising:
a web forming the body of said device;
a bottom flange secured to said web at an angle with respect
thereto;
a handgrip flange secured to said bottom flange at an angle with
respect thereto so that said handgrip flange can be manually
grasped for manual handling thereof and handling of a panel secured
to said device, attachment openings through at least one of said
bottom flange and said handgrip flange so that said device can be
secured to a base; and
at least one attachment flange joined to said web so that said
attachment flange can be secured to a panel.
2. The handling and mounting device of claim 1
wherein there are two attachment flanges adjacent each other and
positioned substantially at right angles to each other for
attachment to the edge and one side of a panel.
3. The handling and mounting device of claim 2
wherein there are openings through both of said attachment flanges
so that fastening means may be inserted through said openings in
said attachment flanges to secure a panel to said handling and
mounting device.
4. The handling and mounting device of claim 3
wherein said openings through said attachment flanges for said
fastening means are positioned the same distance from the juncture
of said attachment flanges so that when either of said attachment
flanges is on the edge of the panel, the other attachment flange is
on the side of the panel with the same positioning of fastening
means.
5. The handling and mounting device of claim 1
wherein one of said attachment flanges is in line with said
web.
6. The handling and mounting device of claim 1
wherein a pivot pin hole is provided through said handling and
mounting device in a direction parallel to both of said attachment
flanges.
7. The handling and mounting device of claim 6
wherein one of said attachment flanges is in line with said
web.
8. The handling and mounting device of claim 1
wherein there is wheel mounting means on said bottom flange and a
wheel is pivotably mounted on said wheel mounting means, said wheel
extending below said bottom flange so that said handling and
mounting device can be moved on its wheel.
9. The handling and mounting device of claim 8
wherein one of said attachment flanges is in line with said
web.
10. The handling and mounting device of claim 9
wherein a pivot pin hole is provided through said handling and
mounting device in a direction parallel to both of said attachment
flanges.
11. The handling and mounting device of claim 1
wherein a resilient spacer block is secured to one of said flanges
so that a plurality of said handling and mounting devices can be
secured to a panel and a plurality thereof may be stacked with said
resilient spacer blocks therebetween for protection of the
panels.
12. The handling and mounting device of claim 11
wherein there is a dolly having at least one wheel, said dolly
being for stacking of a plurality of panels each carrying a
plurality of handling and mounting devices, and each said handling
and mounting device having a resilient spacer block thereon;
tiedown means interengaging said dollies and the panels stacked
thereon so that a plurality of the panels with said handling and
mounting devices can be moved together.
13. The handling and mounting device of claim 12
wherein said fastening means comprises tiedown bolts engaging
through said plurality of handling and mounting devices and
engaging on said dolly.
14. A handling and mounting device comprising:
a web;
first and second attachment flanges positioned substantially at
right angles to each other, one of said attachment flanges being in
line with said web and both of said attachment flanges being
secured to said web, said attachment flanges having openings
therethrough so that fastening means may engage through said
opening into a panel for securement of a panel with respect to said
handling and mounting device with one of said attachment flanges
against the edge of the panel and the other of said attachment
flanges lying against the side of said panel;
a handgrip attached to said web so that said handgrip can be
manually engaged for positioning said handling and mounting device
and the panel secured thereto.
15. The handling and mounting device of claim 14
wherein there said attachment openings in said attachment flanges
are positioned the same distance from the juncture of said
attachment flanges so that when either of said attachment flanges
is positioned against the edge of the panel, the other of said
attachment flanges lies against the side of said panel to employ
the same fastening openings in the panel.
16. The handling and mounting device of claim 14
wherein said handgrip includes a bottom flange and a handgrip
flange at an angle to each other, said bottom flange being secured
to said web, a plurality of divergent corner webs secured to said
bottom flange adjacent said web to inhibit slipping of said
handling and mounting device and the panel mounted thereon.
17. The handling and mounting device of claim 14
wherein said handle comprises a bottom flange positioned
substantially parallel to one of said attachment flanges and a
handgrip flange secured to said bottom flange and directed towards
said one attachment flange, said handgrip flange being sized for
manual grasp, both said bottom flange and said handgrip flange
having openings therethrough for attachment of said handling and
mounting device to a support.
18. The handling and mounting device of claim 17
wherein said handgrip flange has a rounded edge thereon from
comfortable manual grasp.
19. The handling and mounting device of claim 17
further including wheel mounting means on said bottom flange and a
wheel rotatably and removably mounted on said wheel mounting means
so that said handling and mounting device and the panel secured
thereto may be moved on said wheel.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
This invention is directed to a device which is permanently
installed on a solar panel to aid in both its transportation and
installation securement.
In modern building construction, prefabricated panels of various
types are widely used. These panels are produced for various
purposes and are transported from the manufacturing site to the
place of installation. Such panels must be transported in groups;
they must be stored; and often, must be individually handled. In
order to maximize protection of such panels, protective devices
must be employed.
One type of panel that particularly needs such protection is the
solar panel, because of its glass window, because of its frame, and
because of its connection protrusions. There is need for a handgrip
which can be detachably secured to a solar panel and the like to
provide protection for the solar panel in stacking, standing, and
protection for the connection tubes extending from the frame. In
addition, such a handgrip should provide a comfortable and secure
place for manual grasp of the solar panel to ease the physical
placement of the solar panel.
In addition to the need for a handgrip on these bulky panels, there
is need for a permanently installed device which permits the panels
to be stacked, transported and installed. Therefore, a device which
is permanently attached to the solar panel through its storage,
transportation and installation aids in the handling of the solar
panel through all the stages of its handling to and including final
installation so as to minimize the chances of damage to the solar
panel.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In order to aid in the understanding of this invention, it can be
stated in essentially summary form that it is directed to a device
for the handling and subsequent mounting of a solar panel. The
device includes flanges which engage on and are secured to surfaces
of a solar panel. A manually engageable handle is secured to the
flanges and appropriate openings are provided for securing the
device in place.
It is, thus, an object of this invention to provide a solar panel
handling and mounting device so that a solar panel to which it is
attached can be manually engaged for the convenient handling of the
solar panel.
It is a further object to provide such a device which is
permanently mountable to a solar panel and has appropriate openings
therein so that the device and the solar panel secured thereto can
be mounted in a position for utilization.
It is another object of this invention to provide a solar panel
handling and mounting device wherein the device has at least
temporarily secured thereto pads which permit stacking of a
plurality of solar panels which carry such devices and, in
addition, the devices are provided with a corner having studs
thereon which permit the device and the solar panel secured thereto
to be leaned against a wall with a stud preventing slipping out to
enhance the security of the solar panel.
The features of the present invention which are believed to be
novel are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The
present invention, both as to its organization and manner of
operation, together with further objects and advantages thereof,
may be best understood by reference to the following description,
taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a front elevational view of a solar panel, carrying two
of the solar panel handling and mounting devices of this
invention.
FIG. 2 is an enlarged end view, with parts broken away, showing the
mounting of one of the handling and mounting devices of this
invention with respect to a solar panel, and showing the attachment
thereof to a supporting base.
FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the first preferred embodiment of
the solar panel handling and mounting device of this invention.
FIG. 4 is a rear elevational view thereof.
FIG. 5 is an end view of a plurality of stacked solar panels, each
equipped with the device of FIG. 3, shown secured to a dolly.
FIG. 6 shows a first manner in which the device of FIG. 3 is used
for the mounting of a solar panel in the location in which it will
be utilized.
FIG. 7 shows a second manner in which the device of FIG. 3 is used
in mounting a solar panel.
FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a second preferred embodiment of the
solar panel handling and mounting device of this invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
Solar panel 10 is shown in FIGS. 1, 2, 5, 6 and 7. Modern solar
panels, such as solar panel 10, are formed of edge extrusions which
serve to outline the rectangular configuration of the structure.
The extrusions are mitered and joined in a rectangular
configuration. The extrusions contain grooves for the front 12 and
back 14. The back is a structural part and has insulation
interiorly thereof. Front 12 is made of a material which has a high
transmissivity of solar radiation and a low transmissivity of
infrared radiation, such as glass. Behind the glass and in front of
the insulation is a device to receive the solar radiation and
convert it into heat. Usually, that device is cooled by circulating
fluid. Header 16, see FIG. 2, extends from one of the edges of
solar panel 10 and a similar header 18, see FIG. 1, extends from
one of the other edges of the solar panel 12. The headers are
connected to permit the circulation of the cooling fluid. Solar
panel 10 is positioned to receive solar radiation and to be
connected for cooling fluid flow. When positioned in that manner,
the solar panel must be secured in place.
The solar panel handling and mounting devices 20 and 22 are
illustrated in FIG. 1 in connection with solar panel 10. The
devices 20 and 22 are identical, and device 20 is shown in more
detail in FIGS. 2, 3 and 4. The solar panel handling and mounting
devices are of uniform cross-section except for later drilling and
machining so that the original forming may be accomplished by
extrusion. As is seen in FIGS. 2 and 3 and to a lesser extent in
FIG. 4, device 20 has a main web 24 which serves as the upstanding
back of device 20. At the top of web 24 are attachment flanges 26
and 28 which are oriented at right angles with respect to each
other. Flange 26 is in line with web 24 to form the back of the
device 20. At the bottom of the web 24, bottom flange 30 extends
forward from web 24 and handgrip flange 32 extends up away from
bottom flange 30. Rounded edge 34 is formed on the upper edge of
handgrip flange 32. The size and spacing of bottom flange 30,
handgrip flange 32 and rounded edge 34 are such that a man's
fingers may be hooked around inside of flange 32 with his palm
against the outside of flange 32 for secure manual grip on the
device 20. Rounded edge 34 aids in preventing the fingers from
slipping off.
Also formed as part of the device 20 during its extrusion is
support web 36. In addition, corner webs 38, 40, 42 and 44 are
divergently oriented and extend generally radially outward from the
center of pivot hole 46 which is formed adjacent the juncture of
web 24 and bottom flange 30. The corner webs are configured so that
corner web 38 extends as far down from bottom flange 30 as does
support web 36, and the other corner webs are substantially the
same radial length. The webs 36 and 38 serve to support device 20
on the surface 48, with the web 24 in the upright direction. In
addition, the corner webs 38, 40, 42 and 44 reduce the chance of
slipping when the solar panel is leaned against a wall for
temporary support. The corner webs engage on the surface and help
prevent the bottom from slipping out.
Fastening holes and other holes are provided through the various
webs and flanges so that the device 20 may be attached to a solar
panel in various different ways. Fastening holes 50 and 52 are
formed in flange 26, see FIG. 3. As seen in FIG. 2, screw 54 and a
companion screw are engaged through the holes 50 and 52 and into
the panel 10. Similarly, fastening holes 56 and 58 are located in
flange 28 so that screw 60 and a companion screw can be engaged
through flange 28 into the solar panel 12. In addition, a pair of
fastening holes, one of which is seen at 62 in FIG. 3, is located
in bottom flange 30. The two fastening holes through bottom flange
30 are spaced apart similarly to the fastening holes 56 and 58.
Clearance slot 64 is formed in the lower portion of web 24 and the
adjacent portion of bottom flange 30 over to support web 36.
Clearance slot 64 is sufficiently large as to receive wheel 66
which is carried on its cantilevered axle 68. Support web 36 has an
axle hole 70 therein so that wheel 66 may be slipped into place
with axle 68 in hole 70. With the handling devices 20 and 22
secured to solar panel 10, as shown in FIG. 1, with the flange 26
against the back of the solar panel, then the wheels on the devices
can be used to aid in rolling the solar panel to the desired
location.
The handling and mounting devices 20 and 22 are attached to the
edge of the panel in the orientation illustrated in FIG. 1 for the
purpose of transporting and storing the solar panels. FIGS. 3 and 4
illustrate resilient spacer block 72 temporarily secured to the
outside of web 24 and flange 26 by means of pressure sensitive
coated tape 74. The resilient spacer block 72 is conveniently a
piece of foam synthetic polymer composition material. When a
suitable number of handling and mounting devices is properly spaced
around the edges of the solar panel 10, then a plurality of such
panels may be stacked. As is seen in FIG. 5, several solar panels
each have four handling and mounting devices secured thereto, two
spaced along each of the longer edges of the solar panel, with two
shown in such position in FIG. 1. With the resilient spacer block
in place, the plurality of solar panels can be stacked as
shown.
Solar panels 10, 76 and 78 are each equipped with the solar panel
handling and mounting devices of this invention and are stacked on
a dolly 80. Dolly 80 has a top supporting surface 82 which is at
least of sufficient area to support the resilient spacer blocks
underneath the solar panels. Dolly 80 is equipped with wheels 84 so
that it may be moved with a plurality of solar panels thereon and
legs 86 which permit the dolly to lie horizontal when not in use.
Tiedown bolts 88 and 90 engage through fastening holes 92, see
FIGS. 2 and 3, and through clearance slot 64 so that the stacked
solar panels are held in the stacked position. Tiedown bolts 88 and
90 engage in suitable openings in the dolly and are retained in
place by threaded connection. In addition, dolly 80 has support
brackets 94 thereon which are of suitable size and shape to engage
on the top of solar panels mounted on another, similar dolly. With
resilient spacers placed therebetween, one dolly with its load may
thus be placed on top of another loaded dolly. In such a case, the
tiedown bolts extend down through the entire structure to maintain
it rigid and strong. In this configuration, a stack may be carried
on a truck to the job site where individual dollies with their
loads are removed by crane and, thereupon, are manually dollied
close to the site where they will be installed. By the use of the
dolly 80 and similar dollies, a plurality of solar panels may be
safely handled and brought close to the place where they are to be
installed. The tiedown bolts are removed and the panels are then
individually manually handled and carried to the position of actual
installation. Such manual handling is accomplished by the manual
engagement of the handgrip flange 32 so that the solar panel is
moved into position.
FIG. 6 shows the solar panel 10 being mounted on supporting surface
96 employing the device 20 and preferably a similar device 22
beyond device 20 in that view. Pivot bracket 98 is mounted on
surface 96 and pivot pin 100 extends through the pivot bracket and
through pivot hole 96 in device 20. Solar panel 10 may be pivoted
on pivot pin 100 to the required angle to the horizontal to
maximize solar input. Other structures may be employed to retain
the solar panel 10 at the desired angle.
In FIG. 7, pivot bracket 98 is mounted on support surface 102 and a
connecting rod 104 engages in pivot hole 46 on device 20. By
appropriately choosing the length of connecting rod 104, solar
panel 10 may be supported at the required angle. Other structure
supports the lower corner of solar panel 10. This other structure
may be the same structure as is shown in FIG. 6.
In FIGS. 1, 5, 6 and 7, the solar panel handling and mounting
device is shown as having its flange 26 against the side of the
solar panel 10 and its flange 28 at the edge of the solar panel so
that the device extends away from the edge of the solar panel. This
is the most convenient position for stacking, transporting and
manual handling and also serves as a means for securement during
installation, as is shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. However, the handling
and mounting device 20 can be installed with its flange 26 against
the edge of the panel and its flange 28 against the side of the
panel, as shown in FIG. 2. In this mounting position, the handling
and mounting device 20 also serves as a manual handgrip so that the
solar panel may be moved into place. Fastening hole 50 is the same
distance from the corner between flanges 26 and 28 as the distance
to fastening hole 56 so that the device 20 can be reinstalled with
the screws 54 and 60 entering into the same original holes in the
side and edge of solar panel 10. The distance between flange 28 and
the bottom of support web 36 and corner web 38 is sufficient to
hold the back 14 of solar panel 10 a sufficient distance above the
mounting surface 48. After there is no more need for stacking or
leaning solar panels and after the solar panels are installed, the
resilient spacer block 72 may be easily removed by removal of tape
74.
Some solar panels have mounting studs extending from the edge
thereof. These mounting studs are formed to extend from the edges
of the solar panel and, thus, are permanently affixed. These studs
may be used in connection with the solar panel handling and
mounting device 10. For this reason, stud opening 106 is provided
in flange 28 between the fastening holes 56 and 58. Such studs are
shown in FIGS. 1 and 5 and have nuts over the flange 28 in order to
retain the handling and mounting device in place.
Solar panel handling and mounting device 110 illustrated in FIG. 8
is very similar to the device 20. It has the same web 24, bottom
flange 30 and handgrip flange 32, together with their appurtenant
shapes, pivot holes, webs and fastening holes as the corresponding
parts shown in FIG. 2. However, in the device 110, flange 112
extends back from the top of web 24 and flange 114 extends up from
the outer end of flange 112. Thus, as compared to the device 20 in
FIG. 2, the flanges 112 and 114 are set back a distance equal to
the width of flange 28. The same corner is formed between flanges
112 and 114, with this corner embracing a corner of the solar panel
so that the device 110 is secured at the edge and side of the solar
panel. The offset in FIG. 8, in some conditions, places the handle
and mounting holes in a better position for grasp and mounting.
This invention has been described in its presently contemplated
best mode, and it is clear that it is susceptible to numerous
modifications, modes and embodiments within the ability of those
skilled in the art and without the exercise of the inventive
faculty. Accordingly, the scope of this invention is defined by the
scope of the following claims.
* * * * *